Page 100 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

The waiter opened the door and there he was, sitting just as smug as before, watching her.

“Would you like any refreshments for the table?” The waiter asked.

“No.” Maddie said.

“Yes. We’ll have a bottle of the Chateau Lafite.” Alfred said cutting across her.

“Very good sir.” The waiter replied nodding his head in an quasi bow and shutting the door.

“Please sit.” Alfred said and she let out a deep sigh before yanking the chair and doing as she was told.

“You can make this easy or you can make this hard Maddison but either way I win.”

“What do you even want?” She snapped breaking the rule she’d repeated to herself all morning. That she wasn’t going to be like this, that she wasn’t going to resist because she could see from his face how much he was enjoying it.

“We’re going to sit here and play happy families.” Alfred stated.

“No. I’m here. You got that much. But I’m not going to just play along.”

“Yes you are.” He said back.

She shook her head folding her arms. This restaurant they were in was literally one of London’s most desired hotspots. The reservation list was longer than her arm. She wondered if she should be grateful to be there but any enjoyment she knew she’d get from the food was lost with who was sat there opposite her.

“So how was Norton Park?” Alfred asked with a twinkle in his eye.

“How did you…?”

“I watch my investments very carefully. Every move you make. I know it.”

“Right.” She snapped. “So you’re having me followed?”

“Would you expect any less?”

“You do know I work for BlackWater?”

“Is that a threat?” He asked smirking.

“No, I work on highly classified cases. Do you not get how stupid it is for someone to be following me?” Maddie replied.

He shrugged. “I don’t see the details. I’m not interested in spy shit. I’m interested in you Maddison.”

“Right.”

“So how was his house? How were his parents? Was it everything you dreamed of growing up? The castle and the prince who was whisking you away?” He asked.

“Fuck off.”

“Maddison.” He said leaning forward.

“Let’s get this straight.” She retorted. “You want me to play nice, to play whatever little game this is then don’t taunt me, don’t piss me off and then wonder every time I snap back.”

He smiled just as the waiter came in. He opened the bottle, pouring a little for Alfred to taste and he nodded for the man to fill both glasses. Maddie quickly put her hand over hers but Alfred pulled it away and gave the man a look.

“Fill it.” He ordered and the man obeyed though he looked damn awkward about it.

“Are you ready to order?” He asked.

“Yes. We’ll have the quail for starters and the sea bass for main.” Alfred said and Maddie glared at him but didn’t say a word.

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